Chapter 32 What's the matter, Second Prince? The girl's eyes were full of surprise...
What's the matter?
The girl's eyes were full of surprise and confusion, but that tall and upright figure had already walked far away.
Jiang Zhuoying turned around and looked at Eunuch Chu, who was hiding behind a pillar eating melon, as if seeking help.
Perhaps noticing the confusion in her eyes, Chu Yixin, holding a whisk, cleared her throat as she walked around the pillar...
"Jiang girl, don't be in a hurry..."
The girl bit her lip, her face filled with anxiety: "How can I not be anxious? Eunuch Chu, what is His Highness's intention in saying this? I hope Eunuch Chu can enlighten me."
Chu Yixin lowered her gaze, staring intently at the cloth bag tightly clutched in her hand, and suddenly changed the subject: "Jiang girl, what's this in your hand?"
Jiang Zhuoying was slightly taken aback. She glanced down at the tea leaves and said truthfully, "This is tea prepared for Your Highness. Yesterday, I noticed that Your Highness preferred to drink strong tea to refresh yourself, but drinking too much strong tea is not good."
"The servant thought of finding more kinds of tea, which might have a better refreshing effect."
"Eunuch Chu, His Highness... is he still blaming me?"
The girl bit her lip lightly, ultimately revealing her shallow mind, and couldn't wait to ask the question that mattered most to her.
On the other hand, Chu Yixin, who was standing face to face with her, was all smiles.
"Oh dear, it was originally prepared for His Highness!"
He repeated it several times in a low voice with a smile, and after the girl's anxious eyes completely turned into doubt, he finally straightened his expression and slowly spoke.
“Jiang girl, you may not know, but there were never any girls in this courtyard to begin with. It's because of some things that happened many years ago…”
According to Chu Yixin, there were also maids in the Second Prince's villa. Over time, the young and clever maids and the vigorous young servants and guards gradually developed feelings for each other.
This feeling led him to neglect his duties, focusing solely on getting together to talk about love, which almost caused Zhuozhuo to suffer greatly!
Even the second prince was assassinated because his guards deserted...
Jiang Zhuoying's eyes widened slowly, and she nodded repeatedly as if she had suddenly realized something. So that's how it is.
Chu Yixin, smiling like a fox, observed the girl's expression and knew that she believed it.
"So, Jiang girl, you and Zhao Xiping?"
He gently reminded her, leaving it at that, believing that the girl would understand given her quick wit.
Jiang Zhuoying understood perfectly, and almost instantly she connected and integrated the information.
So that's how it is!
In an instant, she had a new idea.
Almost instantly, large tears welled up from the corners of her eyes and streamed down her face.
"Hey, Jiang girl, why are you crying?"
Chu Yixin's expression changed; she was somewhat at a loss, and her crying came so suddenly.
Jiang Zhuoying wiped away her tears and stepped forward to put the cloth bag in Chu Yixin's hand.
"I understand now. So it's because His Highness thinks I'm with Brother Zhao, Brother Zhao..."
She would stop every time she got to this crucial point, looking embarrassed and annoyed, as if she found it difficult to speak.
"In short... my relationship with Brother Zhao is completely innocent, and heaven and earth can bear witness to that!"
The girl pinched her throat and let out a soft growl.
As if afraid that others would find out about this matter, yet also genuinely angry, her two peach blossom eyes were red.
She was so angry she almost cried.
"Hey? Jiang girl?"
Before Chu Yixin could finish speaking, the girl interrupted him for the first time, her voice trembling with tears.
"Please relay this to His Highness, Eunuch Lao, and advise him to drink less strong tea in the future. The tea leaves here all have the effect of refreshing the mind. Drinking different kinds every day can keep things fresh."
Having said that, Jiang Zhuoying didn't linger any longer, lifted her skirt, turned around, and ran away...
A strategy of retreating to advance.
Isn't it because they felt there was something between her and Zhao Xiping that they kicked her out?
Then she wanted him to know how he had misunderstood her, and how obedient and docile she was, even when she was so angry that she cried, she still remembered to think about his health.
And these things... Eunuch Chu will tell him on his own initiative.
...
Chu Yixin clutched the cloth bag in her hand, her face stiff, until the girl's figure slowly shrank until it disappeared.
He then slapped his thigh in exasperation.
"Oh no! Oh no!"
He clutched the cloth bag tightly in his hand and hurried towards the place where his master usually practiced martial arts.
*
Jiang Zhuoying returned to her room, but A-Liu was not there.
Today, because it was so early, she couldn't ask Ah Liu to come and help her with her hair and makeup so early, so she styled her own double buns.
Although it's a bit crooked, it's still passable.
She let out a breath and began packing her luggage.
It was only when I started packing that I realized... I hadn't brought many clothes with me at all; most of them were things I bought after I arrived here.
But that's fine too, it doesn't take much effort.
Jiang Zhuoying packed a small bundle for herself and then tiptoed to the door to peek inside.
Judging from the situation, Eunuch Chu must not have invited that person back yet.
After a moment's thought, she shouldered her small bundle and went to the kitchen to get some of Zhuozhuo's meals.
...
Jiang Zhuoying went to the pond in the backyard. The water was calm and still. She looked around but couldn't find that crimson figure.
I wonder where they're hiding and resting.
"Why……"
The girl sighed softly. Look, it's so early that even Zhuozhuo hasn't woken up yet, but she's already been upset.
The clear pool water reflected the girl's serious, oval face. No matter what... she had to find out the cause of her mother's death.
If it really is related to my uncle...
No, it shouldn't be like that.
The girl shook her head unconsciously.
"Pfft pfft..."
A sound came from the pool.
Jiang Zhuoying was taken aback. Upon closer inspection, she saw that Zhuozhuo had already poked half of its head out of the water.
She smiled slightly and reached out to stroke its head: "Hungry?"
Looking around, the girl opened the food box and murmured, "I have to eat it slowly."
Jiang Zhuoying fed him slowly, focusing intently on the sounds behind her until the approaching footsteps rang out.
The girl slowly curved her lips into a smile, knowing that everything was settled.
...
After Qi Fan turned and left, he went to practice martial arts in the woods outside the villa.
He had been lying low for so many years, and his mind had always been as calm as still water, but this morning he was unusually restless and agitated.
With his composure, when has he ever been so easily angered?
All of this stemmed from that beautiful young girl.
The man lowered his brows, suppressing the raging fire within him. Indeed, he could not stay any longer.
It's better to leave...
"Your Highness! Your Highness, Jiang girl is making a scene and wants to leave!"
The bamboo beside him fell down with a thud.
Chu Yixin was taken aback, then immediately presented the handkerchief, her expression urgent: "Master, Jiang girl, she..."
"Step back."
Qi Fan took the handkerchief and wiped the sweat from his palms, giving him a cold, piercing look: "Whose side are you on?"
Chu Yixin: "..."
I'm still angry, but Jiang girl can't wait for me to act like this!
Chu Yixin suddenly felt that he was getting old and was really worrying too much. If he hadn't watched his master grow up, why would he be worrying about this?
"She can leave whenever she wants."
The man turned around.
Chu Yixin's heart skipped a beat, and she immediately shouted at the top of her lungs, "Master, you've misunderstood! This cloth bag isn't what you think it is!"
The tall, upright figure paused for a moment.
Chu Yixin pressed on: "Oh my, Jiang girl has put in a lot of effort! It's inconvenient for a young lady like her to go out, so she could only ask Zhao Xiping for help..."
"As a result, Jiang was heartbroken and ran away crying. Before leaving, she specifically instructed this servant to remind His Highness to drink less strong tea!"
...
After this embellished account, Qi Fan finally set off on his return journey with a cold face.
He continued walking, turning his head to ask, "Did you run away crying?"
Chu Yixin followed closely behind him, nodding emphatically: "Ah! That pitiful look, with tears streaming down her face, if other men saw it, well, it's only because I'm a rootless person."
Qi Fan: "..."
Although he knew that his personal eunuch must have added fuel to the fire, he could still feel a pang of sympathy when he thought of that pitiful face with red eyes.
His cold and distant gaze deepened...
As soon as the two stepped into the backyard, they saw the petite figure squatting by the pond.
Her thin, slender shoulders trembled slightly; without even looking, she must still be crying.
Chu Yixin opened her mouth to call for someone, but was given a sharp look by someone beforehand.
He wisely stopped, leaving the rest to the master.
*
Jiang Zhuoying fed Zhuozhuo little by little, while her left hand would occasionally wipe the corner of her eye.
"Oh... Zhuozhuo, this may be the last time we meet, and the last time I will personally feed you..."
"Your Highness is such a kind person. He has helped me so much. Not only did he provide me with a place to stay, but he also prepared so many beautiful clothes for me..."
"I've never worn such beautiful clothes before, but I can't stay in this courtyard any longer."
"Why can't you stay?" A cold voice suddenly sounded from behind.
The girl's body visibly stiffened, and she quickly reached out and rubbed her face.
From Qi Fan's elevated position, he could easily see her frantically wiping away tears.
In fact, Jiang Zhuoying was indeed flustered, but she was frantically rubbing the corners of her eyes, which caused her eyes to become red and swollen.
The man pressed his lips together, remained silent for a moment, then softened his voice: "Is it because you can't stay any longer?"
Jiang Zhuoying, who was already squatting on the ground, turned around and knelt down upon hearing this, lowering her head and sobbing, "This servant thought I was going to be expelled from the manor."
Qi Fan frowned slightly: "Who told you that?"
The girl paused slightly, then suddenly raised her head, her red and slightly swollen peach blossom eyes filled with obvious resentment.
The man pursed his lips instantly and pinched the bridge of his nose: "I didn't mean that."
“But… even if Your Highness doesn’t mean it that way, I can’t stay in this courtyard any longer.”
The girl's voice was soft and hoarse, like a wet little rabbit trembling with grievance.
Qi Fan paused for a moment: "Why is that?"
Jiang Zhuoying crumpled the hem of her skirt with both hands, as if she had made a great decision before finally speaking.
"Your Highness, Your Highness believes that I have feelings for Brother Zhao. This concerns the reputations of both Brother Zhao and myself, and... Your Highness also forbids me from going back to the main house as a maid."
She bit her lip, which turned white.
"Gossip is a fearsome thing. Everyone in the courtyard knows that I was kicked out for making a mistake. Even if I jump into the river, I will never be able to clear my name. So... it would be better for me to leave on my own."
The man fell silent for a moment.
The little girl's idea is perhaps too much of a worrying overreaction.
However, it was indeed he who first misunderstood her.
Jiang Zhuoying waited a few moments, but still didn't receive a personal apology from the other party.
She sniffed, wiped her eyes hard with her sleeve, then lifted her skirt and stood up, picking up the small cloth bundle beside her with one hand.
"Then this servant will take her leave. In the future, when mountains and rivers separate us, this servant will never see Your Highness again!"
Qi Fan's brow twitched suddenly, and he immediately reached out to stop him, but it was too late.
The girl had already walked nearly ten feet away from him.
She has quite a temper; she usually looks delicate and frail, but at times like this, she walks incredibly fast.
Jiang Zhuoying quickened her pace, almost reaching the end of the bluestone path, but there was still no sound of chasing footsteps behind her.
She felt uncertain, even though she knew that Eunuch Chu, who was not far ahead, would definitely stop her, but she wanted more than just that.
"Ouch~"
The girl, who had been furious just moments before and had rushed several meters away in the blink of an eye, suddenly collapsed to the ground, clutching her ankle with her right hand.
Seemingly afraid of losing face, the first thing she did after twisting her ankle was to turn around and look at the man behind her.
As Jiang Zhuoying expected, the person had already walked up to her.
"Did you sprain your ankle again?"
Qi Fan squatted down with a blank face, his voice flat.
The girl, who had been covering her ankle, now covered her face, which was filled with embarrassment and anger. She lowered her head and said in a embarrassed and angry voice, "Your Highness, please don't look."
The man remained silent for a moment: "Why?"
What's wrong with looking at this?
“This servant has acted improperly and Your Highness has seen it; this is against the rules.”
Her weak voice was tinged with a slight sob.
Qi Fan's icy expression finally softened slightly, and he pursed his lips: "It's alright."
The girl didn't seem to take his words seriously, maintaining her original posture, covering her face and speaking in a muffled voice.
"Please go back to your room and rest, Your Highness. I will leave once Your Highness has returned."
The man's previously softened expression instantly returned to its coldness, and he asked in a detached voice, "Leave?"
"Do you think you can come and go as you please in my Second Prince's residence?"
The girl's sobbing suddenly stopped, and then she slowly lowered her hands from her face, revealing a small, oval face with red eyes.
She murmured, "This servant, this servant..."
Suddenly, she gave up and stood up, limping, saying, "I'll walk myself! I can walk here, and I can walk away too!"
"In any case... I can't stay in this mansion anymore."
Jiang Zhuoying emphasized this matter again, saying that as long as she could get the Second Prince's personal promise, her position as his personal maid would be secure.
But she was limping and hadn't fully straightened up when someone grabbed her lower back with one hand and her knees with the other, and lifted her up in a horizontal embrace.
Jiang Zhuoying hadn't expected this turn of events. Before she could even react, a cold voice rang out above her: "If you're not afraid that everyone in this courtyard will know, then go ahead and cause trouble."
Jiang Zhuoying: "..."
She obediently fell silent.
Why is this guy so stubborn?
It's obvious from his attitude that he doesn't want her to leave, but he just can't bear to apologize to her or make a promise.
Chu Yixin, who had been keeping an eye on things and also helping to keep watch for the wind, quickly came over.
"Your Highness, what's wrong with Jiang girl again?"
"Bring some ointment for sprains."
"Yes, Your Majesty, I'll go right away!"
Jiang Zhuoying: "..."
Was such excitement in his tone necessary?
Jiang Zhuoying was carried back to the main room and then settled on a soft couch in the study.
As soon as her bottom touched the soft cushion, she couldn't wait to get up, but her shoulders were pressed down and she remained in place.
No matter how hard she tried, she couldn't budge it an inch.
A somber voice: "Stop making a scene."
Jiang Zhuoying froze, then abruptly looked up: "Does Your Highness think this servant is making a scene?"
Qi Fan: "..."
"You and that Zhao..."
“Zhao Xiping,” Jiang Zhuoying immediately added.
The next moment she received a cold look.
"There may be some misunderstanding between you and him."
The man looked directly into her eyes: "No one else will know about this, so you can stay here without worry."
Jiang Zhuoying suddenly felt refreshed, and she added weakly in a high-pitched voice, "What does Your Highness mean?"
Qi Fan stared into her clear eyes and exhaled a breath of stale air: "Don't worry, stay by my side. No one will gossip or bully you."
Jiang Zhuoying tried hard to suppress the upturned corners of her mouth: "I see... this servant understands."
Chu Yixin, who was as shrewd as ever, delivered the ointment at the perfect moment and then quickly withdrew.
"Stop! Call Ah Liu over here."
The man's meaning was clear: he wanted Ah Liu to apply the medicine for her.
"ah?"
Chu Yixin hesitated for a moment. "This...should I take this opportunity to spend more time with Jiang?"
Jiang Zhuoying understood his thoughts in an instant.
The crux of the matter lies in what she said earlier.
You can't blame her... What upright gentleman would keep such books in his study?
But right now we need to resolve this issue as soon as possible.
After a moment's thought, she raised her hand and gently tugged at Qi Fan's sleeve: "Your Highness, what I said earlier was nonsense."
"You, you can just think of me as having lost my mind. Your Highness is a good person, how could you have such thoughts about me? I have misunderstood you."
Upon hearing this, Chu Yixin couldn't help but chuckle.
Qi Fan rolled up his sleeves, his face ashen, and gave her a long, silent look, offering no comment.
Jiang Zhuoying breathed a sigh of relief; the matter was temporarily over.
She then took the ointment from the small table and said, "This sprain is nothing serious. I can apply the medicine myself, so there's no need to trouble Miss Liu."
"what ever."
The man gave her a cold look, then turned and left.
Chu Yixin stayed at a distance and gave a few more instructions.
"Jiang girl, are you relieved now? Don't overexert yourself. If the injury is really serious, go back and rest properly. You can come back to work after you've recovered."
Jiang Zhuoying nodded repeatedly: "Yes, I know, thank you for your concern, Eunuch Chu."
Why would she show off?
She wasn't injured at all, and besides, she had to maintain her original temperament.
What she just did seemed a bit over the top, quite different from her usual obedient and timid nature...
She couldn't control herself for a moment and had to try to bring it back.
...
When Qi Fan stepped into the study again, he had changed his clothes, indicating that he had already been to the bathing room.
She has completely regained her original aloof and indifferent demeanor.
The person who had a gloomy face in front of Jiang Zhuoying just now, but who had no choice but to compromise in the end, seemed to be just a flash in the pan.
When the man stepped into the study, he saw the petite figure, but his expression remained unchanged, as if he already knew she would be waiting there.
Qi Fan shifted his gaze, sweeping over her feet beneath her skirt, and said calmly, "What I said to you before still stands."
What I said before?
Jiang Zhuoying's mind raced, and considering her current situation, she quickly came to a conclusion.
No more bowing and kneeling? No more greeting him? No more sweeping and cleaning in this study?
"Since your foot is injured, you cannot stand for long."
Can't stand for long periods?
That means you can sit down or lie down.
Jiang Zhuoying quickly understood these two sentences; this guy was finally starting to act like a human being!
The girl's tone was light and gentle: "Yes! This servant understands. Your Highness is truly a good person!"
The man did not respond to her flattery, but instead rubbed his fingertips. The word "slave" was simply unpleasant to hear.
If the relationship between these two is to change, the way they address each other will naturally be the most obvious and important factor.
Jiang Zhuoying had already taken small steps to the soft couch and was about to sit down.
The man behind the desk spoke again: "There have never been any maids in this villa. I have lived here for a long time, and the words 'servant' are too incongruous to hear."
Jiang Zhuoying was already sitting on the soft couch when she heard these words and immediately began to grumble inwardly.
There were never any maids?
Tsk tsk, you didn't expect that, did you? Eunuch Chu had already told her.
Admitting to having done this in the past is not something unacceptable; after all, which wealthy family's mansion doesn't have maids?
Moreover, it was a prince's villa.
"Um?"
This time, the tone became noticeably unpredictable.
Jiang Zhuoying hesitated for a few moments, then said in a sweet voice, "Then... I understand what Your Highness means."
The cool voice continued: "I have lived far from the court and have been living in seclusion here for a long time. I am not worthy to be called Your Highness."
Jiang Zhuoying: "???"
What... what does this mean?
If she hadn't been a carp back then, she might have actually believed it!
The girl looked terrified, her voice growing softer and softer: "Your Highness, wherever you reside, you are naturally worthy of the title 'Your Highness'."
But the man didn't respond to her.
“None of my close servants would call me that.”
"Then..." Jiang Zhuoying was interrupted again before she could finish speaking.
“Call that servant outside, Zhao…” he coaxed gently, pausing deliberately.
Jiang Zhuoying: "..."
At this point, what else doesn't she understand?
As a prince, why should I compete with others in terms of titles?
Even though she was inwardly shocked and disapproving, she still opened her peach blossom eyes wide and carefully took a breath: "Your Highness, this is unacceptable."
As she spoke, she met those eyes that had shifted from sunny to cloudy.
Jiang Zhuoying swallowed hard and murmured softly, "Brother Qi... Brother Qi."
"You know, as a prince, I should be different from others."
Jiang Zhuoying: "..."
She closed her eyes briefly, as if resigning herself to her fate: "Brother Qi."
With a soft, sweet voice, the man smiled slightly, about to respond, but the girl shook her little head like a rattle drum.
"No, no, no, that won't do. If others find out, it will surely bring trouble upon me."
"I... I can call you 'Second Prince Brother' from now on, is that alright?"
The girl's eyes sparkled with anticipation, and Qi Fan's eyes flickered slightly.
Second Prince Brother?
Very well, from this day forward, someone will remind him of his location every day, Second Prince.
Glancing at the cold smile on the man's lips, Jiang Zhuoying was momentarily at a loss.
There's a hidden meaning behind this nickname.
This man, who often had a cold expression, yet always had a book on his desk.
It's understandable that Jiang Zhuoying suspects him of being two-faced and treacherous.
In short, she had to get close to this man, gain his trust and affection, but at the same time, she couldn't arouse his covetousness.
As a defenseless young woman, she had to achieve her goal while also protecting herself; she had a lot to consider.
After considering all this, she started calling him "Second Prince Brother". As this happened more often, he would gradually start treating her like a younger sister.
This needs to be planned in advance; if you wait until the other party has already made up their mind, it will be too late.
Jiang Zhuoying thought her suggestion was excellent, but why did this second prince's expression look so... strange?
"Can...I can?"
She spoke cautiously, her voice soft and gentle, her upturned peach blossom eyes filled with unease.
The man finally pursed his lips, slightly raised his eyelids, and glanced at her: "Of course."
Jiang Zhuoying visibly breathed a sigh of relief.
Then the other person tapped on the desk: "You don't need to be so timid in the future."
The man paused for a moment: "I won't eat you, after all."
Jiang Zhuoying's lips parted slightly, her eyes filled with astonishment, and her ears subtly turned red, looking utterly flattered.
But she was speechless.
She didn't want to be so subservient, but he just fell for it.
If it weren't for her own previous tireless efforts, would she be able to sit on the soft couch in his room now?
The girl smiled shyly, her cheeks flushed: "Thank you for your consideration, Second Prince. But I am just timid and cowardly by nature; it's something I've developed since I was little."
Suddenly remembering something, the girl asked uneasily, "Does the Second Prince dislike this kind of personality?"
She didn't believe it.
Jiang Zhuoying has already tasted the sweetness of success. Judging from her behavior lately, even if he says he doesn't like it, she won't believe him.
In this way, she has successfully secured her position as a personal maid.
What she needs to do next is... protect herself, gain trust, and extract information.
The man said calmly, "I don't dislike it."
See?
The girl's voice then became cheerful: "I understand! Second Prince, please continue with your work. I'll go and get you some tea right away!"
Qi Fan: "..."
He glanced up at the girl who was engrossed in making tea. Beside her was the cloth bag he had seen before. According to Chu Yixin, it contained tea leaves that she had specially found for him.
Just to try different things so I can drink less strong tea.
He lowered his eyes and casually picked up a military treatise...
*
Two days passed peacefully, filled with brotherly affection and sisterly respect.
Even when Chu Yixin was asleep at night, she had a smile on her lips these past two days.
Master and Jiang girl have been getting along well these past two days!
The task that Consort Wan entrusted to him will likely be accomplished soon.
Two days later, Qi Fan went into the city to see Gu Yunci as usual.
On the way back, the unassuming carriage window was half-open, revealing a cold and indifferent face inside.
The man had deep-set eyes and prominent brows; his unfathomable eyes held a warmth he himself was unaware of.
Suddenly, those slender eyes sharpened, and a cold voice rang out: "Follow them."
Chu Yixin, who was standing next to him, was startled and quickly followed his master's gaze.
Humorous—Isn't this Zhao Xiping?
Why is this person in the teahouse again?
Chu Yixin's quick wit immediately understood that this must be related to Jiang Yatou.
"This servant will immediately send someone to investigate."
Zhao Xiping was an acquaintance and understood the master's meaning. After a moment's thought, Chu Yixin instructed the coachman outside the carriage to go discreetly.
...
After the time it takes for an incense stick to burn, a low-key and simple carriage stopped in a dark alley next to Tianxia Tea House.
The man with a simple and unassuming appearance and clothing, wearing a short brown coat and a thick beard, lifted the curtain of the car and entered.
He knelt down on one knee and began to report.
"Zhao Xiping specifically requested jasmine flowers, saying they have a refreshing effect. He also brought out a tea list, adding all the other teas mentioned on the list besides jasmine flowers."
Tea menu?
Qi Fan lowered his gaze slightly, his fingers caressing the white jade pendant hanging from his sash.
I still remember that when the little girl handed Zhao Xiping something, besides the silver, there was indeed a paper slip.
Can--
This servant is illiterate.
The little girl tidied his desk, repeatedly saying that she couldn't read.
He narrowed his eyes slightly, his voice as cold as ice: "After returning to the manor, have Zhao Xiping come over."
"yes."
Chu Yixin glanced at his face, which was cold and indifferent, a far cry from his previous gentle demeanor.
What... happened this time?
...
Jiang Zhuoying was playing shuttlecock with A-Liu in the backyard.
This was something she had always enjoyed, and she was quite skilled at it.
While that big ice shard was away from the mansion, she could stretch her muscles and no longer need to be insincere in front of him.
According to her observation, the messages sent by Eunuch Chu were not sent every day, but she did not know the exact interval between them.
In short, she had been staying in the main room from morning till night for the past few days and hadn't seen Eunuch Chu come to deliver any more messages.
Jiang Zhuoying was slightly distracted, and just as she was kicking Ah Liu back and forth, someone from the gatehouse in the front yard came to inform her.
They said His Highness had returned, and he didn't look too well.
She nodded knowingly, thanked the person, and then tidied up before heading to the main room.
During this period, she became familiar with all sorts of people in the courtyard.
I get along fairly well with these people, at least on the surface.
She also made sure not to have any further contact with Zhao Xiping, and if she spotted him from afar, she would even deliberately take a detour.
To avoid giving the scheming Second Prince too much thought, which would be disadvantageous for her.
After entering the room, Jiang Zhuoying quickly brewed a pot of tea; today's tea should be... Tieguanyin.
Not long after the tea was brewed, she heard a commotion outside.
The young girl lifted her skirt and ran to greet him, calling out as she ran, "Second Prince, how about some Tieguanyin tea today?"
She didn't bow, but instead met a pair of cold, clear eyes.
Jiang Zhuoying was slightly taken aback. To say that she was aloof and cold was not entirely true; perhaps she could be described as icy and indifferent.
She paused for a moment, then smiled again and leaned closer: "Second Prince, is it... is it that this trip out of the manor didn't go well?"
She tried her best to play the role of a caring and attentive maid.
But Qi Fan ignored her and strode forward.
Jiang Zhuoying froze for a moment, then subconsciously glanced at Chu Yixin.
Chu Yixin gave her a wink, and she understood.
Tell her to be careful...
But what does she need to be worried about?
This anger couldn't possibly be because of her, could it?
Could it be a case of capricious anger being transferred to another person?
Jiang Zhuoying was still standing there, pondering her plans, when a cold, icy voice came from inside the study: "Aren't you coming over?"
She glanced at Chu Yixin again, who winked at her and silently mouthed back.
Be careful what you say.
Jiang Zhuoying swallowed hard, nodded, and then slowly walked to the study.
But she wasn't guilty at all; deep down, she didn't believe that the anger was because of her.
The young girl tiptoed to the desk and offered a cup of hot tea: "Second Prince, this tea is fresh again today, would you like to try some?"
"Um."
The person lying on the shore raised their head and looked at her... their gaze was no longer as cold as before, but it still held a subtle hint.
"Did something unpleasant happen to you?" the girl asked tentatively in a low voice.
Qi Fan stared into those clear, pure eyes, so innocent and flawless.
It was a very minor matter. It's understandable that the young woman panicked and instinctively tried to excuse herself.
"Second Prince, why are you staring at me like that? Have I done something wrong?"
The girl took two steps back, her small face showing visible unease and anxiety.
Qi Fan didn't look away, and even suddenly stood up, his hands gripping the edge of the table: "You... are you hiding something from me?"
Jiang Zhuoying's heart skipped a beat, and she instinctively avoided his gaze: "Wh-what?"
Did her identity get exposed after she went out?
Since it's been exposed, why not just confront them directly and ask them questions?
Why pull this stunt?!
The man straightened up, picked up the teacup, lowered his eyes to look at the floating tea inside, and said slowly, "As the only maidservant by my side, if you want to gain my trust, you must never deceive me."
Jiang Zhuoying suppressed her nervousness and tried her best to analyze the sentence.
It sounds a bit like he's trying to scam her.
If she successfully passes the test, she will have taken a big step forward in gaining his trust.
The man on the other end continued: "Today is your only chance. If you have lied to me, just tell me, and I will forgive you for what you have done."
Jiang Zhuoying made up her mind almost instantly.
It must be just as she guessed!
What does it mean to forgive and forget once the truth is out? With this guy's cunning, she'll probably have to go back to her own estate tonight.
The girl shook her head pitifully, "I...I didn't."
Qi Fan stared directly at her, his eyes piercingly clear: "Not a single one?"
The girl nodded emphatically, clutching her skirt pitifully with both hands: "Not a single one!"
Qi Fan looked away.
Jiang Zhuoying stood in the center of the study, feeling somewhat uneasy. Why... is she not saying anything again?
She gritted her teeth, about to speak, when Chu Yixin's shrill voice rang out behind her.
"Sir, the people have arrived."
Who's here?
Jiang Zhuoying immediately turned her head and found that the person who came was Zhao Xiping.
"Brother Zhao?"
Her pupils dilated slightly, and she exclaimed in surprise.
Seeing Zhao Xiping's puzzled and honest expression, Jiang Zhuoying turned around and looked at Qi Fan again.
"The tea's gone cold," the man said coldly.
Jiang Zhuoying immediately stepped forward: "Then this servant will pour Your Highness another cup."
The moment I picked up the teacup, the surrounding air seemed to freeze instantly.
Jiang Zhuoying glanced at someone for no apparent reason, but that person's gaze was not on her.
Could it be that Zhao Xiping has offended him again?
She gently shook her head and turned to pour tea.
Suddenly, a cold voice rang out from behind: "Zhao Xiping, I heard that you were the one who went to find tea for A-Zhuo recently?"
Jiang Zhuoying felt a chill run down her spine. Why was this topic being brought up again after only a few days?
Zhao Xiping was initially quite anxious, but upon hearing this, her heart settled back down.
He cupped his hands in a respectful and serious manner and began to reply: "Your Highness, I am merely a servant; all of this was decided by Miss Jiang."
He wanted to pin all the credit on Jiang Zhuoying.
"I'm just a rough fellow, how would I know what kind of tea can refresh the mind? I just ran errands according to the tea list that Miss Jiang gave me."
Qi Fan stared at him intently, his tone steady: "What tea list?"
Jiang Zhuoying had her back to the two of them, but she perked up her ears.
Zhao Xiping had no suspicions and immediately took out a tea list from his chest and presented it to him with both hands.
"Your Highness, I inquired with the tea shop manager, and these teas do indeed have the effect of invigorating the mind and spirit. It is evident that Miss Jiang is thoughtful."
He tried his best to speak well of Jiang Zhuoying.
The man behind the desk only glanced at him with a cold look, and Zhao Xiping reluctantly shut his mouth.
Qi Fan opened the tea list and glanced at the list of tea names, which were written in a woman's handwriting.
He didn't look up: "Go down."
"Can."
Zhao Xiping opened her eyes slightly, rubbing her fingertips, staring at the form in the man's hand, speechless for a moment.
"how?"
Qi Fan slightly raised his eyes, and although his gaze was upward, Zhao Xiping still felt the sudden sense of oppression.
"No, no, then I'll take my leave."
Zhao Xiping swallowed hard, but immediately dismissed the idea of getting the tea order back.
He bowed, and without lingering, quickly left.
It must be so difficult for a delicate girl like Miss Jiang to spend every day in the same room with such a prince.
Before leaving, he glanced in Jiang Zhuoying's direction, his eyes filled with obvious sympathy.
Jiang Zhuoying frowned, knowing that there must be something wrong with the tea list in Da Bingzha's eyes.
But what problems might arise?
"Didn't you want tea poured?"
A cold, emotionless voice suddenly sounded from behind.
Jiang Zhuoying stiffened, quickened her pace, and soon carried a cup of warm tea to the desk.
She smiled faintly, "Second Prince, would you like some tea?"
The man took the teacup, took a small sip, and said with a half-smile, "Your Highness in public, and your brother in private?"
Jiang Zhuoying suddenly felt a lump in her throat.
She looked pale and stammered, "I... I just felt that if outsiders knew about this way of addressing me... it wouldn't be very appropriate."
Why?
Jiang Zhuoying: "..."
You hypocrite!
How could he not know why?
They had to ask her that question, forcing her, a simple and pitiful girl, to say it!
If word got out that this unusual master-servant address was to spread, wouldn't she lose all her reputation?
But of course she couldn't reply like that.
The girl twisted her two delicate fingers together, her eyes full of innocence: "I just feel that this is detrimental to the dignity of the Second Prince."
"My identity is, after all, just a maid. If others knew that I, a maid, would address you in such a way, their impression of you might... be not as good as before."
"You've thought this through." The smile in the man's eyes didn't reach his eyes.
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